as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form
a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students
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Recent Examples of formative
Indeed, the 13-year-olds who took the national test experienced the pandemic's disruption during formative elementary years of schooling.
—
ABC News, 10 June 2026
The 13-year-olds who took the national test experienced the pandemic’s disruption during formative elementary years of schooling.
—Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Traveling the state and helping people navigate the fear and stigma associated with their diagnoses was a formative experience, Duxler said.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
But before Shaboozey even became a songwriter himself, the music of Beyoncé was soundtracking his formative years.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
ABC News, 10 June 2026
The 13-year-olds who took the national test experienced the pandemic’s disruption during formative elementary years of schooling.
—Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Traveling the state and helping people navigate the fear and stigma associated with their diagnoses was a formative experience, Duxler said.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
But before Shaboozey even became a songwriter himself, the music of Beyoncé was soundtracking his formative years.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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He’s known for his ability for creative playmaking and his willingness to slip into any role when the situation calls for it.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
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Once again bringing together d’Adda’s rare and precious fabrics with Louboutin’s iconic silhouettes, the collection mirrors the designers’ ongoing creative exchange.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The partnership aims to narrow the gap between human and robotic dexterity, enabling more adaptable, productive and safer automation systems for industrial environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
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Fortunately, there is a way to direct our imagination toward more productive pursuits through performance-enhancing visualization.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Bazaldua and Blackmon asked Judge Eric Moye to require Tolbert and Johnson to appear and show cause why they shouldn't be held in constructive contempt of his court order.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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But officials held out hope that successful negotiations, with the support of others in the region such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, could encourage Tehran to become a more constructive regional actor.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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